Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
D Sravan, K Radha Rani, E Padma and B Kanaka Mahalakshmi

Abstract:
The present investigation entitled “Study on morphological characterization of amaranthus (Amaranthus ssp. L.) Germplasm” was carried out with an objective of morphological characterization of amaranthus germplasm. About 30 amaranthus germplasm lines were collected from different sources and 2 varieties were used as check to conduct the experiment in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications at Mango Research Station, Nuzvid during rabi season of 2022-23. The location of experimental site falls under humid, East Coast Plain and Hills (Krishna zone) with an average rainfall of 904 mm at an altitude of 81 m (266 feet) above mean sea level. The experimental site was geographically situated at 16^o 46’ 48’’ N latitude and 80^o 50’ 59’’E longitude. The site experiences hot humid summer and mild winter. The results on morphological characterization revealed that the wide range of variability was observed among the lines collected from different sources. Regarding plant growth habit 28 lines have exhibited erect plant growth habit, one showed semi-spreading growth and one showed spreading type of plant growth habit. Leaf colour exhibited a wide range of variation with dark green, medium green, light green as predominant classes while three genotypes had red leaves. Green, pink and red stem colours were noticed among the lines. For stem surface, many had smooth stem surfaces with few having ridged stem surface. Green and yellowish green were the predominant classes for inflorescence colour, however red colour was also noticed in few lines. Inflorescence compactness was lax type for all the germplasm lines. Shape of the inflorescence was erect for most of the germplasm lines while few had semi-erect inflorescence. spines present on inflorescence in majority cases, however few have smooth inflorescence. For seed colour black and brown seed colours were predominent, however, white and green seed colours were also observed in few germplasm lines. Discoid seeds and ellipsoid seeds were noticed among the germplasm.